Human TREK2, a stretch- and arachidonic acid-sensitive K+ channel activated by inhalational anesthetics and niluzole

Abstract

This invention relates to a protein including a mammalian K+ channel with two pore domains, designated TREK2, that produces currents whose current-voltage relationship is weakly inward rectifying in high symmetrical K+ conditions. This invention further relates to the isolation and characterization of such protein, as well as a method using TREK2 to identify bioactive compounds having anesthetic properties.

1. An isolated and purified protein comprising a mammalian K +  channel with two pore domains, wherein said channel produces currents whose current-voltage relationship is weakly inwardly rectifying in high symmetrical K +  conditions, and wherein said channel comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. 
     
     
       2. The protein of  claim 1 , wherein said channel is a human K +  channel. 
     
     
       3. The protein of  claim 1  consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. 
     
     
       4. The mammalian K +  channel of  claim 1 , wherein said high symmetrical K +  conditions is a K + -rich external medium of about 150 mM.